Celebrate the Season with Eco-Friendly Holiday Cards
Spread Joy, Not Waste This Holiday Season. click here Affiliate Disclosure
The holidays are a time of connection. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or just the general season of joy, sending cards is one of the most heartfelt ways to let your loved ones know you’re thinking of them. But let’s be real — traditional holiday cards often come at a hidden cost to the planet. Glitter, plastic coatings, and unsustainable paper production mean that millions of cards wind up in the landfill every year.
So, how can we share the love while keeping our impact on the Earth in check? Enter: eco-friendly holiday cards.
This year, let’s focus on sustainable ways to send season’s greetings. From plantable cards to digital options, there’s something for every eco-conscious giver.
Why Choose Eco-Friendly Holiday Cards?
The average person sends around 20 cards each year. Multiply that by millions of families, and you have an industry that uses billions of sheets of paper annually. Traditional cards are often:
Not Recyclable: Glitter, foils, and plastic coatings make many cards non-recyclable.
Made with Virgin Paper: This means fresh trees are cut down for a card that might only sit on the mantle for a few weeks.
Packaged in Plastic: Most cards come wrapped in plastic sleeves that end up as waste.
By choosing eco-friendly holiday cards, you’re reducing your environmental impact and showing your friends and family that sustainability matters to you. It’s a small step, but it makes a big difference.
Eco-Friendly Options for Holiday Cards
- Recycled Paper Cards
The simplest way to make your cards greener? Choose cards made from 100% post-consumer recycled paper. These cards give new life to paper that would otherwise end up in the landfill.
Look for certifications like:
FSC-Certified Paper: Ensures responsible forestry.
Recycled or Compostable Packaging: Avoid cards wrapped in plastic.
Many companies now specialize in beautiful, recycled cards with eco-friendly inks. Some favorites include:
Paper Culture: They print on 100% recycled paper and plant a tree with every order.
Greenvelope: Their cards are sleek, modern, and fully sustainable.
- Plantable Cards
Ever heard of cards you can plant? It’s true! Plantable holiday cards are embedded with seeds — once the season is over, your loved ones can plant the card and watch flowers, herbs, or even trees grow.
Why plantable cards are great:
Zero Waste: The entire card decomposes naturally.
A Gift That Grows: Instead of clutter, your card becomes a garden.
Brands to check out:
Bloomin: Their cards are packed with wildflower seeds.
Earth Greetings: Beautiful designs and a planet-friendly purpose.
Pro tip: Be sure to let your recipients know the card is plantable and how to use it!
- Digital Holiday Cards
If you want to eliminate paper altogether, digital cards are your best friend. Gone are the days of cheesy e-cards with dancing snowmen. Today’s digital options are elegant, customizable, and perfect for the modern giver.
Benefits of digital cards:
Zero Waste: No paper, no shipping, no waste.
Cost-Effective: Most digital cards are cheaper than physical ones.
Instant Delivery: Perfect for last-minute greetings.
Platforms to try:
Greenvelope: Stylish, customizable, and easy to use.
Paperless Post: Offers both digital and print options.
- DIY Upcycled Holiday Cards
Get crafty and create your own holiday cards using materials you already have. Upcycling is fun, budget-friendly, and gives a personal touch to your cards.
Here are a few ideas to try:
Reuse Old Cards: Cut out designs or greetings from cards you’ve received in the past to make new ones.
Scrap Paper & Fabric: Use leftover paper, fabric scraps, or even newspaper to design unique cards.
Potato Stamps: Carve festive shapes into a potato, dip it in eco-friendly paint, and stamp designs onto blank cards.
Pro tip: Pair your handmade cards with non-toxic glue and recycled paper to keep them as eco-friendly as possible.
Tips for Making Your Cards Even More Sustainable
Skip the Glitter and Foil: As pretty as they are, glitter and foil make cards non-recyclable. Opt for natural designs instead.
Write a Personal Message: A heartfelt note adds meaning to your card and encourages recipients to treasure it.
Minimize Packaging: If you’re mailing cards, use recycled envelopes and avoid unnecessary plastic.
Choose Local Options: Support small businesses and reduce the carbon footprint of shipping by buying locally made cards.
What to Do with Eco-Friendly Cards After the Holidays
Even the greenest cards eventually need a new purpose. Here’s how to keep the cycle going:
Recycle: If the card is plain paper, recycle it after the holidays. Remove any embellishments first.
Compost: Plantable or paper-only cards can go straight into your compost pile.
Repurpose: Turn cards into gift tags, bookmarks, or scrapbook decorations.
My Favorite Eco-Friendly Holiday Card Brands
If you’re ready to shop for cards that are kind to the planet, here are some of the best eco-friendly brands:
Paper Culture: Recycled paper, tree-planting initiative, and stunning designs.
Earth Greetings: Plantable cards with natural inks.
Greenvelope: Elegant digital cards that are completely waste-free.
EcoEnclose: Their sustainable cards and packaging are perfect for minimalists.
Each of these brands combines style and sustainability, so you don’t have to choose between being festive and being eco-friendly.
Let’s Make the Holidays Greener
This holiday season, let’s share joy in a way that respects the planet. By choosing eco-friendly holiday cards, you’re not just sending greetings — you’re making a statement about the kind of world you want to live in.
Whether you go digital, plantable, or recycled, every choice adds up to a healthier planet. So grab your list, pick your favorite sustainable cards, and spread some Earth-friendly cheer this year.
Happy Holidays! Let’s make it green. 🌿